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California State University-Monterey Bay vs California State University-San Marcos

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California State University-Monterey Bay

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California State University-San Marcos

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric California State University-Monterey Bay California State University-San Marcos Winner
Acceptance Rate 95% 96% California State University-Monterey Bay
Graduation Rate 62% 55% California State University-Monterey Bay
Avg Earnings (5yr) $48,648 $48,673 California State University-San Marcos
Median Debt $12,750 $17,350 California State University-Monterey Bay
Tuition (In-State) $7,437 $7,739 California State University-Monterey Bay
Retention Rate 79% 75% California State University-Monterey Bay
Financial Aid 32% 30% California State University-Monterey Bay

Comparison Analysis

California State University-Monterey Bay and California State University-San Marcos have similar earnings for alumni, with Monterey Bay at $48,648 and San Marcos at $48,673. Monterey Bay has a lower tuition cost of $7,437 compared to San Marcos at $7,739. Monterey Bay also has a higher graduation rate of 62.4% compared to San Marcos's 55.3%. Both schools have high acceptance rates, with Monterey Bay at 94.8% and San Marcos at 95.7%.

Based on the provided data, California State University-Monterey Bay appears to offer a slightly better value proposition due to its lower tuition and higher graduation rate, despite similar alumni earnings. However, the difference in tuition is only $302, and the difference in earnings is only $25.

For prospective students, key decision factors could include the importance of graduation rates, the slight difference in tuition costs, and the location of each school. Students may also consider the specific programs offered by each university.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major California State University-Monterey Bay Earnings California State University-San Marcos Earnings Difference
Business Administration, Management and Operations $47,825 $49,543 4% favor California State University-San Marcos
Business Administration, Management and Operations $87,863 $49,543 77% favor California State University-Monterey Bay
Psychology, General $29,168 $31,355 7% favor California State University-San Marcos
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $30,413 $29,341 4% favor California State University-Monterey Bay
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $117,088 $103,799 13% favor California State University-Monterey Bay
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $29,929 $26,203 14% favor California State University-Monterey Bay
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $34,089 $31,184 9% favor California State University-Monterey Bay
Business Administration, Management and Operations $47,825 $84,450 77% favor California State University-San Marcos
Biology, General $35,312 $38,527 9% favor California State University-San Marcos
Psychology, General $29,168 $0

Quick Facts

Type Public
Location Seaside, CA
Setting Suburban
Students 5,811
Type Public
Location San Marcos, CA
Setting Suburban
Students 14,174

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

California State University-Monterey Bay has median earnings of $48,648 and tuition of $7,437. California State University-San Marcos has median earnings of $48,673 and tuition of $7,739. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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